Educating people for Independence Day festivities

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — Safety is the big issue when it comes to July 4. according to West Lafayette Fire Chief Tim Heath.

If you do plan on lighting fireworks this holiday, they should only be lit by adults. Heath said the most important thing to do during the fourth is to educate the public.

Remember to keep children at a safe distance from the lighting and Heath warns people that there are more burns from sparklers around this time more than anything else. He said to leave the fireworks to the professionals, especially with the amount of large displays happening across our viewing area.

"The community has put in a lot of money to put a nice display on," Heath added. "They are an excellent show and it's a lot of fun for the family to go there."

If you are lighting fireworks in your neighborhood, be mindful of your neighbors. Heath said there are a lot of veterans in the community and some have PTSD.

"Be respectful to our veterans," he said. "We have independence day because of our veterans. So, we would ask that you be respectful of them if they ask you to please cease."